My last post was a month ago, when I was struggling with my back. Unfortunately in that time, we nearly lost my mum, I’ve taken on an extra job 3 days a week and my main job has become more stressful.
When my running (or my exercises for the running) were my main focus it was easy to keep on track (and indulge myself). Unfortunately, recent events above have thrown me and also, last visit to the Physio was demoralising - he advised to go back to the beginning of the programme. Before my back started to trouble me, I was about to complete Week 5 (and giddy with it 🙂)
I started my running back in August when I joined a beginners club who unfortunately rang too fast for me (worsened my plantar fasciitis(. Same thing happened with a second group I joined. Then signed up for C25K and thought WOW! This is achievable! Actually felt nothing could stop me this time. Had the bit between my teeth and loving it.
Over the last few weeks though,my mood has dropped and I’ve lost that determination. Even purchasing my first pair of proper running shoes hasn’t motivated me. I’ve done the Week 1 Run twice in the last 3 weeks. That’s all. Even stopped doing my Physio exercises and pilates at home.
Would really appreciate anything you can throw at me to get me out there again.
Thank you lovely people 🙂
Linda xx
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Lindarunner
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You are here reading all the posts and asking for help. In my eyes that means you want to do this, you just need some encouragement. Well I am sure from all our lovely members you will get some. I am sure your lovely new trainers need a good outing as well. We all get days/weeks when we feel like our mojo has gone, it will come back. When I feel like that I get in my running stuff and turn my brain off. I go into auto pilot and take a step out of the door, I tell myself that once the door closes I can always turn round and go back home and in over four years I have never just turned around and gone back home, sometimes we just need a bit of kidology.
After what you've been through, you deserve a run for yourself, some "me time". Doesn't matter about starting again- you've got to the 5 week Mark once, you will get there and beyond again. Good luck
You’re here and you’re asking for support - that’s an amazing step in itself.
I’m very, very new to running, but the main advice I’ve picked up from this forum is sticking firmly in my head. Take things at your own pace. If you need to repeat runs, do it. You’re doing this for yourself. You can do it.
You sure have a lot on your plate so it's actually good you are feeling a bit down. If you didn't - you'd be in some kind of denial
So - now that we have established that you are 'normal' - lets see how we can also get you established as a 'Runner'
At my lowest most unmotivated ( and Valentine's Day is actually one I hate - too many memories of missing Loves - and even worse the one's who did NOT miss when they aimed kicks at my delicate parts ) and on top of that lousy weather, busy schedule, frustrated in part that I have to do the programme all over again...
Well - you and I are in the same boat under different flags - but still in rowboats when we want to be in a Bahama Cruiser
Here's what got me out - in ascending order of importance.
It will be fun to, at some point, be able to shop for jeans and jackets and it only taking an hour instead of half the day trying to find something that will fit me that I will actually like wearing.
It is good that I am doing something that might let me ejoy my last years a bit better than some of the guys only ten or fifteen years older than I that I saw creaking around on walkers etc when I was going to Physio.
It gets me out of the house - I'm like the count of Monte Christo sometimes before he escaped...I've not only counted the floor tiles, I'm beginning to name each one!
I have adventures in the Park every now and then - as the 'old timers' here could attest
I imagine my old enemies lined up along the route and I am honest when I say that this running has me in better shape than any of them
And - a tie for most important...I get to hang out here. This is the most positive Forum ever. It cheers me up when I see how y'all see the world when you are running and it is interesting to see how so many diverse people see the world in general
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST....I have been around long enough to know the one part of the programme that is all too often the hardest part but the MOST VITAL part for continuing on...
Put the gear on, walk out the door.
Sounds trite - but it is true. Once I get out that door I know the run will take care of itself. Might be 'tough going' might be ;easy' might be a 'success' or a 'practice on any given day...BUT......a run is a run is a run
And at the end of EVERY run - boy am I glad I did it, no matter how 'long' or short' it is
Hang in there, be kind to yourself - and as always, wishing you many happy miles in your future
Blimey no wonder you don’t want to do much, that’s quite a load you’ve been bearing on your shoulders.
Irish-John is a fountain of wisdom and he has just re-started his C25K programme after some trying times, so his advice is well judged and I hope helps you.
Can you give yourself 10-15 minutes just to think about what it was you loved about the progress to W5 last time out and try and hold onto that feeling?
Seriously, you’ve had lots of blows and it is so hard to pull yourself along, when faced with so much, but the one thing that I think is very telling is that you’ve popped up asking for help to get back. That means I hope that there’s a small part of you is missing what you had. Why not just go out for a try of W1R1 - no pressure just put on the shiny new shoes and see where they take you. If it’s really horrid, maybe you need a little more ‘me’ time before running. But who knows, it may just ignite the spark again.
I do hope so and wish you lots of luck and happy running.
Irish-John and Hidden have said it all, and I totally agree. You have so much to carry on your shoulders at the moment it's not surprising you're feeling down, and not surprising it's a challenge to get out and run. We all feel like that from time to time, but as the others have said, you obviously want to get back out there and run.
Try to plan your time to run in advance and get it booked into your calendar or diary. It doesn't matter if you are starting from week 1 again, it's a sensible place to start. When I did the programme I got to week 8 then had to stop for a while with medical things, and restarted just by doing brisk walks for 30 minutes for a couple of weeks. Then my legs decided on one of my walks they wanted to try running, but I was in walking boots so it was a little difficult. But I gave it a little go and then decided to start from week 1 run 1 again.
The people in this forum were great at supporting me, and I'm glad I stuck with it, and so will you be.
Good luck for your next run, and hope that you will start to feel that positive vibe you had from running before.
Lindarunner everyone has said it already! You still have the determination )and the sense too to ask for support). And that is all you need plus the little bit of me time running (or run walking) gives you. I've struggled to find the time sometimes and as the worlds worst procrastinator I've found the best thing to do is put my clothes and shoes on while I'm thinking about whether or not to go out so I'm ready to say right just go. Then it just seems so much easier to get out the door -once you're out it's a piece of cake. And don't worry about starting again. Use it as physio (cheaper!) and before you know it the weeks will fly by especially with all the other things you have going on and you'll be safely back where you were. It's not about getting to week 9 it's about getting fitter and stronger both physically and mentally so remember you deserve both of those. Get those laces tied get out there and get your reward for all your hard work 👍🏻😜❤😘🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️
I like the idea of having my kit on, then I’m half ready to go. I’ll use that one 👍
And thank you, mum is perhaps a little more fragile but still with us x
Gosh, you are doing a helluva a lot under stressful circumstances. Cut yourself some slack Meanwhile, I think finding time for the running could actually help in terms of lifting your spirits and energising you. When I feel unmotivated, I tell myself I'm going to run at such and such a time, and I make myself get out there, telling myself that I can always come back after five or ten minutes if it isn't working out. I always carry on running once I'm out there, and i usually come back feeling more positive than when I went out. If you can afford it, maybe treat yourself to some new running gear - doesn't have to be expensive, maybe some socks or a buff: I find it's a great motivator. Erhem ... let's be honest, I spend a lot of time fondling lycra and gazing at my running shoes .. blush ...
I can't improve on any of the above advice, but I thought I'd jump in because the sheer weight of replies might help you, too. I'm so sorry to hear that you've been having a hard time. My twopennorth - it sounds like running was something you did for YOU - you're still here, still important and worth spoiling! You really do deserve some time and space for yourself, and running's a great way to get it. I had to start again after an injury, and the feeling of getting past my previous best (and feeling it was a tiny bit easier second time round) was fantastic.
I don' know where you live but spring is on its way, and you'll be able to see all the early signs as you pound the paths or tracks.
One final thought - I realised yesterday that the running shoes I bought before I started (without gait analysis, and in the sale, but anyway!) will need to be replaced. Not yet, but still -your new shoes will become your faithful friends, and the more you wear them the better value they'll become! (I love a bargain!)
Let us know how you get on, and keep checking back here for all the ups and downs of your fellow RUNNERS.
So sorry to hear of all your problems, and quite understand how demoralising it feels to start again. I had a 3 week break during the program due to illness and weather, and went back one week. Since you’ve had a 4 week break, why not try going back 2 weeks (to week 3) and see how you get on? Just take the runs really, really slowly.
You have had a rough time and getting back to this is exactly what you need The mo jos hide under your shoes... along with the mind gremlins. They rush for cover when you lift those shoes up
Once you lace up those trainer.. you are on your way.... we will be running right alongside you.. me whispering ( slow and steady )...get back into your exercise regime and you will, start to feel the benefits...in all ways.!
" Do it now... sometimes, has a habit of becoming,never"
Good luck and Ditto to all the advice above. It sounds like you've had a sucky month but you can do this! We're all here for you, looking forward to hearing about your first proper run back!
I’m sorry to hear that you are feeling so down and demotivated. It seems to me that when all outside stresses pile up it is hard to see a way out. For me I take the mind set of looking at what I can control so that I don’t feel despondent . This running thing is great , you are in charge of what you do, when you do it how much you do etc etc you gain the reward without waiting for anyone else to give it to you. Stress affects our bodies without us realising that the the rotten day at work caused a pain in the neck, your running might help your head to distract you from all those horrid things.
Of course I don’t really think I have any right to advise you, but it would be great to have you back “in the running” so to speak.
Good luck getting back to it and in snazzy new trainers too 😀
I think the best motivation for you would be that a run will provide a little you-time - maybe decide to go for a short run with no clock, just some music if that's what you like.
Regarding C25K, if you feel demoralised by going back to the beginning why don't you try starting a little further in? You know you can do it! Tell the physio the runs aren't very much longer
Isn’t this the best forum ever!? Good luck Lindarunner, I can’t add anything to these kind, wise and funny (IrishJohn) replies but i’ll Look out for your next posts. The days are getting lighter, less rain and grey skies coming.
Hi there, sounds like a lot to deal with! remember to be kind to yourself amd listen to your body. Take your time and start the plan again use the running time as time for you. Good luck 😘
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) and on top of that lousy weather, busy schedule, frustrated in part that I have to do the programme all over again...
C25k as rehab- here we go again...
Finally Graduated at a very sunny Parkrun! 
a break from running :(
Fed up, frustrated and lots of questions ☹️😢😩
